a couple of rows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple of rows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of rows, typically two or a few more, in various contexts such as seating arrangements, data tables, or lists. Example: "Please move the chairs back a couple of rows to make space for the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

A couple of rows away, two teenage boys stand motionless, seemingly uncertain about how to behave.

The New York Times

He pointed to an empty middle seat, across the aisle and a couple of rows back.

The New Yorker

In each coach cabin place a couple of rows of two-across seats where there are now three-across seats.

The New York Times

Mr. Place was interrupted by a loud shushing from Thomas Carroll, who was sitting a couple of rows away.

The New York Times

Neither Akiko Kato nor her companion turn around - I creep down to within a couple of rows behind them.

The Guardian - Books

A couple of rows behind the old ballplayers sat Brian Howell, a fan with a seemingly unshakable certitude about victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But it is puzzling that a couple of row-house developers would go all the way to Philadelphia for an architect.

The New York Times

Interspersed are actual boats — a flat-bottom fishing skiff, a couple of rowing boats, six handcrafted kayaks and a 16-foot melonseed catboat, its single gaff-rigged sail unfurled.

The New York Times

Zuckerberg is hired by a couple of rowing-team bluebloods to work on their similar-sounding website; but they won't let him past the bike shed of their members-only dining club.

The Guardian - Film

Winning City of Culture status in 2017 has caused a couple of significant rows.

The Guardian

When the winter came I "borrowed" a couple of those rows and headed to the hill.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a couple of rows" to indicate a small, approximate number of rows, typically two or a few. It's suitable for describing seating arrangements, data layouts, or any situation where rows are relevant.

Common error

In formal writing, consider using more precise language like "two rows" or "three rows" instead of "a couple of rows" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of rows" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It is used to specify an approximate, small quantity of rows. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a couple of rows" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a small number of rows, typically two or a few. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While suitable for various contexts, more precise language may be preferred in formal writing. The phrase is most prevalent in news and media sources. Alternatives include "a few rows" or "several rows", depending on the desired level of precision. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose the phrasing that best conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a couple of rows

Adds emphasis to the small quantity.

a few rows

Similar to "a couple of rows" but suggests a slightly less precise number.

a pair of rows

Synonymous, using 'pair' instead of 'couple'.

several rows

Indicates more than two rows, implying a slightly larger quantity.

two or three rows

Specifies a range, indicating either two or three rows.

a small number of rows

More formal and emphasizes the limited quantity of rows.

consecutive rows

Highlights that the rows are following each other in order.

a limited number of rows

More formal and highlights the restricted quantity.

adjacent rows

Focuses on the proximity of the rows rather than the quantity.

nearby rows

Emphasizes that the rows are close in location.

FAQs

How can I use "a couple of rows" in a sentence?

You can use "a couple of rows" to describe a small number of rows in various contexts. For example, "The speaker asked the audience to move forward "a couple of rows".".

What's a good alternative to "a couple of rows"?

Alternatives include "a few rows", "several rows", or being specific with "two or three rows" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a couple of rows" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a couple of rows" may sound informal in certain contexts. Consider more precise alternatives like "two rows" or "three rows" for formal settings.

How does "a couple of rows" differ from "several rows"?

"A couple of rows" typically implies two rows, while "several rows" indicates more than two, suggesting a larger but still indefinite number.